Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.

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Rates and revenue

The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.

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  • Bring greater cost efficiencies to the council operation. To maximise the benefits gained from improving core services

  • Ensure that rates are fair and equitable.

  • Seek out areas within council operation that are over expensive, producing little, and to modify these areas.

  • Keep rates at or below the current rate of increase.

  • Continue to work hard to hold rates increases to the Consumer Price Index, and maintain the Waimakariri District Council's AA long term credit rating from Standard and Poor.

  • Ensure development contributions offset the costs of new development infrastructure needs so as not to unfairly burden existing ratepayers.

  • Continue to utilise in-house skills to minimise consultants' fees and reduce spending through best procurement practice.

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